Time Indefinite and documenting the lives of loved ones

When I consider the film Time Indefinite in light of our recent discussion in class, I am drawn to the fact that Ross McElwee's family doesn't quite understand his art. It brings up the idea of how non-fiction storyteller (whether it be a writer or a film maker) addresses the most important people in their life without offending anyone. Of course, I believe this is pretty much impossible. Your recollection, and portrayal of an event or events you have shared with someone are not going to be identical. Details will be argued about and the picture you paint will be questioned. I think this is unavoidable.

It is they duty of a non-fiction narrator to show the reader or viewer how it was. Sometimes this means portraying something with words that describe a feeling rather than a concrete event. If you simply tell someone a sequence of events they have no idea what happened. In class we are always asking for more about what significance the event had. Why they are choosing to waste the words to say it. There's always a reason. We strive to get that reason across. Of course, perspective on the why of events is always blurry.

I feel as if non-storytellers don't understand this. This may be why McElwee's family doesnt understand his life as a filmmaker. He chose art, while he could have been a doctor like his family wanted. The mind of an artist tends to think conceptually while doctors think in facts. The edges of experience may not be so blurry for them. It's hard to know for sure, but I imagine this is the case.

The important thing to remember, is they still ask him to come back year after year. Consider him, as well as other non-fiction storytellers. It is impossible not to ruffle the feathers of anyone in your writing if you want to be truly honest. Of course, it doesn't make it any easier to write about things that may upset people you love. I personally think these are the most important stories to tell, however. I think it's essential to write these stories because it's when your best writing comes through. Whether you share them with an audience, or the people in them, is another question. There are definately consequences for telling the truth. That's why it's harder than lying. It's also why creative nonfiction is especially challanging.